(Closed) NWR but I need serious help! Sushi restaurant.

So. Mr. KM and I frequent (as in 1-2x a week) a fantastic sushi restaurant. It’s family owned (dad, mom, son) and they, in turn, treat us like family since we’re there so often. They always bring us appetizers on the house and today they gave us 15% off on our bill (on top of the appetizer). We always tip them heavily; it’s the best sushi we’ve found here in KY and they are so awesome to us that not doing so would be abhorrent.

But here’s our dilemma. We really, really really want to do something for them for Christmas but we have no idea a) what to even do b) what would be considered offensive. The dad is Japanese, the mom (we believe) is South Korean and the son is obviously a mix of both. In South Korea, it would be customary to give them an envelope full of money. In Japan, that’s apparently offensive. We’re kinda stuck!!!

Does anyone have any ideas/ suggestions, or any information surrounding the etiquette of this?

I am sure I wouldn’t give them cash… but then again, I wouldn’t do anything except keep going and tipping well. If you really want to do something nice for them, invite a bunch of friends to eat there. 😉

I lived in Japan for two years, I would say that doing anything too personal would look like kind of an invasion of their privacy. Something a bit generic but nice like an awesome bottle of wine or sake (how old is the son?) or something to display in their restaurant would be lovely.

So heres the deal, My hubby is 100% Japanese and I have LOTS of Japanese friends. In Japan they celebrate it just like us. they buy regular retail gifts. theres nothing cultural from japan linked from christmas since its a western holiday.

So I think a plate of very yummy baked goods would be perfect!

PLEASE dont get anything of huge value because it is Japanese tendency to have to “top” your gift just to show your respect 🙂

I played this game with my friend in Japan every year….boy did it get expensive!! haha

I think the food idea would be good. Especially since they might not make much American treats since it isn’t part of their culture. I agree that the money isn’t a good idea since that can offend certain people.

I think homemade goodies would be great. Honestly, you are giving them a gift, you shouldn’t worry about offending them. They do live in the states afterall, I’m sure they’re used to receiving holiday presents that aren’t the “norm” in their culture.

Bake them something! Money for money doesn’t usually pan out because of the money game! A couple loaves of baked pumpkin bread or something will be highly appreciated by them. Or specialty cookies–something that really takes effort =]